Aggressive driving can easily cause serious or fatal accidents

You may be someone who has a love-hate relationship with your daily commute to work. You may enjoy the time to yourself as you drive to your destination since it’s probably one of the few times during the day you can have solitary peace and quiet. Of course, you may also hate the way in which other drivers on the road operate their vehicles, which can easily disrupt your peace.

Unfortunately, numerous drivers have a disregard for their own safety and the safety of others while they make their own commutes. Some may not realize it, but they often engage in aggressive driving behaviors that could easily cause an accident without even a moment’s notice.

Types of aggressive driving

You may pride yourself on keeping safety a top priority while behind the wheel. After all, you want to make it to your destination without harm. However, you may witness other drivers carrying out any of the following aggressive driving actions:

• Failing to yield the right of way
• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Overusing his or her horn
• Purposefully preventing another driver from merging or changing lanes
• Not using a signal to turn or change lanes
• Driving recklessly
• Not heeding traffic signs or signals

Aggressive drivers are often impatient and feel that the rules do not apply to them. However, the rules are in place to help promote safety on the road, and when drivers break those rules, accidents often happen. In fact, more than 50 percent of fatal crashes are the result of aggressive driving.

Recognizing an aggressive driver

You may have witnessed drivers engaging in the aforementioned behaviors or other concerning actions while on the road. If you do recognize an aggressive driver or feel targeted by one, you may want to get out of the way as safely as possible. Distancing yourself or even pulling off the road entirely may help you stay safe.

Unfortunately, you may not always have time to see an aggressive driver and get out of the way before his or her actions cause an accident that results in your suffering serious injuries. In such a case, you could hold the driver considered at fault accountable for his or her actions by filing a personal injury claim in hopes of seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages permitted under Arizona state law.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to talk to our Scottsdale or Phoenix car accident lawyer.